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Does Intermittent Pain Shooting From The Left Chest To The Right Arm Require Medical Attention?
Posted on
Tue, 27 Mar 2018
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 27 Mar 2018
Answered on
Mon, 24 Jul 2023
Last reviewed on
Question : Hello,
Just curious, as a 31 year old male (with normal glucose, normal blood pressure, and no previous evidence of heart issues; I've had multiple EKGs and a stress test), if a random sharp pain that ran across the top part of my left chest and down my right arm (and a possible sensation in my left foot) is something to be concerned of? My left tricep feels a tad weird, I dont have any chest pressure but I dont want to assume that this isnt cardiac or stroke or something based on that. Please let me know.
Thank you
Just curious, as a 31 year old male (with normal glucose, normal blood pressure, and no previous evidence of heart issues; I've had multiple EKGs and a stress test), if a random sharp pain that ran across the top part of my left chest and down my right arm (and a possible sensation in my left foot) is something to be concerned of? My left tricep feels a tad weird, I dont have any chest pressure but I dont want to assume that this isnt cardiac or stroke or something based on that. Please let me know.
Thank you
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Your symptoms do not seem to be related to any cardiac disorders.
Your cardiac tests can confirm this.
Musculoskeletal pain or radicular nerve pain could cause such a clinical scenario.
For this reason, I would recommend consulting with your attending physician and performing some tests:
- a cervical spine X-ray study for any bulging disc
- a chest X-ray study
- complete blood count, PCR, ESR for inflammation
- a nerve conduction study to examine the nerves of the arm.
A Cervical spine MRI study may be needed if suspicion of a bulging disc is raised.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Your symptoms do not seem to be related to any cardiac disorders.
Your cardiac tests can confirm this.
Musculoskeletal pain or radicular nerve pain could cause such a clinical scenario.
For this reason, I would recommend consulting with your attending physician and performing some tests:
- a cervical spine X-ray study for any bulging disc
- a chest X-ray study
- complete blood count, PCR, ESR for inflammation
- a nerve conduction study to examine the nerves of the arm.
A Cervical spine MRI study may be needed if suspicion of a bulging disc is raised.
You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you doctor!
Even if the previous cardiac tests were not looked at, would these symptoms and generalized chest discomfort and nausea point to the heart or no?
Even if the previous cardiac tests were not looked at, would these symptoms and generalized chest discomfort and nausea point to the heart or no?
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Sharp pain in this region is not typical of a cardiac disorder. Cardiac angina causes progressive pain, triggered by straining physical activity.
Sharp and shooting pain which just comes across the chest or arm is typical of a musculo-skeletal disorder or a nerve pain. The fact that the chest pain is triggered by deep breathing or body movements, is another argument in favor of musculoskeletal pain.
Anyway, normal cardiac tests are very reassuring that nothing serious is going on.
A professional diagnosis is usually based on symptomatology coupled with cardiac tests result, in order to come into exact conclusions.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Sharp pain in this region is not typical of a cardiac disorder. Cardiac angina causes progressive pain, triggered by straining physical activity.
Sharp and shooting pain which just comes across the chest or arm is typical of a musculo-skeletal disorder or a nerve pain. The fact that the chest pain is triggered by deep breathing or body movements, is another argument in favor of musculoskeletal pain.
Anyway, normal cardiac tests are very reassuring that nothing serious is going on.
A professional diagnosis is usually based on symptomatology coupled with cardiac tests result, in order to come into exact conclusions.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Right on! Thank you doctor. I just wanted to make sure.
If I can ask one more question, it would be greatly appreciated (not cardiac)...
I've been having a recurrent pain in my RUQ for about 2 years now (relieved my pressing a finger/thumb into the area). Typically brought on after eating food (but not all foods). I've had two CT scans and an MRI (MRI a year ago), as well as an endoscopy. All found nothing. Along with that, I've had persistent nausea for the past few weeks in the center of my abdomen. I began taking a fish oil, probiotic, and ginger root, which has seemed to help. But I ate a meal tonight and got incredibly nauseous and my RUQ is still hurting. I've been two three doctors; one primary care and two GI specialists. I'm terrified that it's a cancer or something malignant because it's been going on for so long and I do not have an answer, as well as almost constantly being nauseous in the center of my abdomen (near the umbilicus).
If I can ask one more question, it would be greatly appreciated (not cardiac)...
I've been having a recurrent pain in my RUQ for about 2 years now (relieved my pressing a finger/thumb into the area). Typically brought on after eating food (but not all foods). I've had two CT scans and an MRI (MRI a year ago), as well as an endoscopy. All found nothing. Along with that, I've had persistent nausea for the past few weeks in the center of my abdomen. I began taking a fish oil, probiotic, and ginger root, which has seemed to help. But I ate a meal tonight and got incredibly nauseous and my RUQ is still hurting. I've been two three doctors; one primary care and two GI specialists. I'm terrified that it's a cancer or something malignant because it's been going on for so long and I do not have an answer, as well as almost constantly being nauseous in the center of my abdomen (near the umbilicus).
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Gastro-esophageal reflux or esophageal spasms could also mimic this clinical situation.
Coming to this point, I would recommend performing a fibrogastroscopy to investigate for these disorders.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Gastro-esophageal reflux or esophageal spasms could also mimic this clinical situation.
Coming to this point, I would recommend performing a fibrogastroscopy to investigate for these disorders.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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